Making the switch from writing short fiction and flash fiction to creative nonfiction feels like switching gears for me. Or maybe it’s better described as switching vehicles entirely.
With fiction, I quickly get in the zone. I’m driving a Porsche or a Ferrari, zooming along the autobahn.
With nonfiction, it feels more like I’m writing a research paper for school, even when the piece is largely based on my personal experience and perspective. I’m driving a reliable sedan, but nothing sporty. And I’m obeying all the rules of the road, just as a student writing a term paper adheres to the rules of writing (grammar, specific style guides, etc.).
Recently I’ve set aside the fiction writing to focus on a couple of personal essays. The thought is to flex some different writing muscles in hopes of making me a better writer of fiction. (This post by Nathaniel Tower describes the benefits well.)
I guess both essays they fall under the category of creative nonfiction. They are nonfiction for sure, but I’m not certain if they pass muster as creative. With one particular essay, I’m citing some outside sources, as any dutiful reporter or research paper writer would, and I worry that even peppering this piece with those third parties may dilute the creative juices.
Curious if other writers feel this dissonance when switching from fiction or poetry to creative nonfiction? Or conversely, if any creative nonfiction writers also struggle when switching to fiction or poetry? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Andy writes! 
In the past two years, I’ve been bouncing back and forth between MLA/APA academic papers and my second book. It’s a thing for sure. I haven’t found it too hard, and I’ve definitely gotten better as a fiction writer because of it.